Compressor use in a heavy rock band

[Guinness20]

I'm not looking for suggestions on a compressor to use in a heavy rock band, I'm asking if the way I'm planning to use a compressor in that setting is right/necessary.

Just a bit of info about my sound - I play in a couple of rock bands, one heavy and the other more mainstream stuff. I play fingerstyle, I play a stingray HH through a Markbass LM Tube and a Bergantino CN212. It's a very transparent rig (which I like), so with the stingray I cut through clear as day. Seeing as it's an HH though I have options available and more mellow sounds if I want them.

For a good while now I've been eyeing up tone enhancing compressors. I was eyeing up the Diamond Bass Comp for that buttery magic, until somebody bought me a pedaltrain volto as a present. Due to the convenience of it, I decided to just look at 9v pedals. The two that I've been looking at are the Ovnifx Smoothie and the Darkglass Supersymmetry. Both (according to Bongo's reviews) have a bit of that tonal magic and can thicken the sound, with the SS attenuating the highs and the smoothie with the ability to roll the top end off.

In the heavy rock band I love cutting right through the mix, in the other band though there are times when I feel like should sit further back in the mix (I think I will be buying an always-on pedal to add warmth at some point, so not looking for a comp to achieve that alone). Should I be concerned about achieving a thick/fat sound with a compressor, or should I just look at using a limiter in a rock band? Or should I screw everyone else and just go for the sound I'm after?

Apologies for the essay

 

[FaithNoMan]

Get the sound you want, and then use the compressor to make it work in the mix.
I use compression post-recording, but I also use two overdrives for my basic tone.
On my little projects, I play around with compression until it sounds like it fits nicely in the mix.

 

[Guinness20]

Get the sound you want, and then use the compressor to make it work in the mix.
I use compression post-recording, but I also use two overdrives for my basic tone.
On my little projects, I play around with compression until it sounds like it fits nicely in the mix.

Thing is I'm kind of looking to use a compressor to get the sound i want, as oppose to getting the sound I want then using the compressor to make it work in the mix.

Does anybody out there use a tone enhancing compressor in a heavy rock band?

 

[Nephilymbass]

I'm not looking for suggestions on a compressor to use in a heavy rock band, I'm asking if the way I'm planning to use a compressor in that setting is right/necessary.

Just a bit of info about my sound - I play in a couple of rock bands, one heavy and the other more mainstream stuff. I play fingerstyle, I play a stingray HH through a Markbass LM Tube and a Bergantino CN212. It's a very transparent rig (which I like), so with the stingray I cut through clear as day. Seeing as it's an HH though I have options available and more mellow sounds if I want them.

For a good while now I've been eyeing up tone enhancing compressors. I was eyeing up the Diamond Bass Comp for that buttery magic, until somebody bought me a pedaltrain volto as a present. Due to the convenience of it, I decided to just look at 9v pedals. The two that I've been looking at are the Ovnifx Smoothie and the Darkglass Supersymmetry. Both (according to Bongo's reviews) have a bit of that tonal magic and can thicken the sound, with the SS attenuating the highs and the smoothie with the ability to roll the top end off.

In the heavy rock band I love cutting right through the mix, in the other band though there are times when I feel like should sit further back in the mix (I think I will be buying an always-on pedal to add warmth at some point, so not looking for a comp to achieve that alone). Should I be concerned about achieving a thick/fat sound with a compressor, or should I just look at using a limiter in a rock band? Or should I screw everyone else and just go for the sound I'm after?

Apologies for the essay

This is me with a compressor. I'd say we were able to get the bass much louder in the mix on the album and live with the compressor because without the dynamic spikes that used to cause us to turn the bass down you can crank the bass in the mix without farting out car and stereo speakers.

 

[Guinness20]

This is me with a compressor. I'd say we were able to get the bass much louder in the mix on the album and live with the compressor because without the dynamic spikes that used to cause us to turn the bass down you can crank the bass in the mix without farting out car and stereo speakers.

Just went to click the video but apparently it's unavailable. It sounds like you're using a transparent limiter, I'm talking more about tone enhancing compressors - stuff like the diamond bass comp, markbass compressore, ovnifx smoothie, Darkglass SS.

It's sounding like people in rock bands just stick to transparent compressors...

 

[Nephilymbass]

Just went to click the video but apparently it's unavailable. It sounds like you're using a transparent limiter, I'm talking more about tone enhancing compressors - stuff like the diamond bass comp, markbass compressore, ovnifx smoothie, Darkglass SS.

It's sounding like people in rock bands just stick to transparent compressors...

You can hear clips here as well. It's not a limiter. It's a boss Cs-2
Red Sky Constellation - EP by Nephilym
Link Removed

 

[Guinness20]

You can hear clips here as well. Not a limited
Red Sky Constellation - EP by Nephilym
Link Removed

Thanks. What I mean is that you're use for the compressor was to limit peaks, so would want something transparent sounding. I'm looking for a pedal to do that as well, but I'm also looking for a compressor with an inherent coloured sound to add some magic to my tone.

 

[knumbskull]

if you like using a more "coloured" sounding compressor, no reason why not to do it for rock or anything else.

one thing, if you use overdrive, you might find the compressor redundant. also if you record, most engineers will prefer to have you play uncompressed and then do it in mixing.

can't make any specific recommendations. I used to use a Tech 21 Bass Compactor for just what you say. it's one of the most hated pedals on Talkbass... I quite liked it

 

[monkeyfinger]

I also play in a heavy modern rock band. For me, a compressor that really emphasizes the attack works best. I also look for a tight bottom for the same reason. Most compressors will add some thickness, but I am not looking for a lot of that. The best compressor for me is the FEA Labs DE-CL. I use comp and limiter sides at the same time. The comp is set up for a nice smack-you-in-the-face attack. The limiter is there just to add a little tightness and balance to the lowest notes. (It very rarely comes on above A1.) I really like the adaptive release feature on the DE-CL. This adjusts the release time based on how frequently the notes cross the threshold. When your are playing fast 16ths, the release time is very short. Play quarter notes and the release is slow. Works perfectly for bass IMO.

 

[RoeyHaviv]

I used to use EBS Multycomp for that reason, slight gain bump and very little compression. I don't use it a now because my tube pre gives me enough of that. One of the keys is to set the attack slow enough to let your first transients through, the EBS is set for that from the factory.

 

[blindrabbit]

I used a Diamond for years playing in rock cover bands, tribute bands, and then in my original first wave punk project. I LOVED it. The only reason I replaced it was because I stepped up to an FEA Opti-Fet. I also have a buddy who uses a Diamond Comp in his metal band, also loves it.

Don't worry about the power requirements. I always ran the Diamond with its own adapter, although if I was less lazy I could have gotten the proper adapters to use it with my power supply. Trust me, it is well worth the slight annoyance. This is a GREAT comp that works magic with your tone.

 

[Nephilymbass]

Thanks. What I mean is that you're use for the compressor was to limit peaks, so would want something transparent sounding. I'm looking for a pedal to do that as well, but I'm also looking for a compressor with an inherent coloured sound to add some magic to my tone.

Yeah the one I use is definetly not a transparent compressor, but I happen to really like the coloration. I also basically use it as a boost at the same time.

For something more transparent if you don't want to spend a ton of money id reccommend looking into the mxr bass compressor

 

[Guinness20]

I used to use EBS Multycomp for that reason, slight gain bump and very little compression. I don't use it a now because my tube pre gives me enough of that. One of the keys is to set the attack slow enough to let your first transients through, the EBS is set for that from the factory.

Bongo's review of the EBS was pretty good and puts it in the same territory as the others I'm looking at. Is it just older examples that deteriorate over time?

I also play in a heavy modern rock band. For me, a compressor that really emphasizes the attack works best. I also look for a tight bottom for the same reason. Most compressors will add some thickness, but I am not looking for a lot of that. The best compressor for me is the FEA Labs DE-CL. I use comp and limiter sides at the same time. The comp is set up for a nice smack-you-in-the-face attack. The limiter is there just to add a little tightness and balance to the lowest notes. (It very rarely comes on above A1.) I really like the adaptive release feature on the DE-CL. This adjusts the release time based on how frequently the notes cross the threshold. When your are playing fast 16ths, the release time is very short. Play quarter notes and the release is slow. Works perfectly for bass IMO.

The FEA DE-CL has the warmth control right? Think I remember reading SirMjac28 saying it (the warmth control) added a cherry on top to his sound.

I used a Diamond for years playing in rock cover bands, tribute bands, and then in my original first wave punk project. I LOVED it. The only reason I replaced it was because I stepped up to an FEA Opti-Fet. I also have a buddy who uses a Diamond Comp in his metal band, also loves it.

Don't worry about the power requirements. I always ran the Diamond with its own adapter, although if I was less lazy I could have gotten the proper adapters to use it with my power supply. Trust me, it is well worth the slight annoyance. This is a GREAT comp that works magic with your tone.

Awesome, the opti-fet colours your tone as well right? I've been told by pedaltrain (did some work for them which is why they gave me the volto) that the diamond would fry the volto. If I was to power the diamond separately it would make using the volto pointless.

Yeah the one I use is definetly not a transparent compressor, but I happen to really like the coloration. I also basically use it as a boost at the same time.

For something more transparent if you don't want to spend a ton of money id reccommend looking into the mxr bass compressor

Sorry I must be confused, I am considering comps that will add that colouration. I mistakenly assumed that because you were talking about controlling signal spikes, you were using something transparent-sounding.

 

[Guinness20]

At some point over the next couple of months I plan on buying the Vulcan XL, B7K, VMTD & VT bass DI, I will compare them all then return the ones I don't want (buying the Vulcan from the US so will probably have to sell it if I don't want to keep it). I'd be using the winner as an always-on very light drive to warm up/vintage up the sound a bit.

That being the case, should I stick to using one of the DI's for tone & warming up the sound and getting a transparent comp/limiter, or should I combine a comp like the smoothie or supersymmetry with the DI for that extra 'something'?

 

[blindrabbit]

Awesome, the opti-fet colours your tone as well right? I've been told by pedaltrain (did some work for them which is why they gave me the volto) that the diamond would fry the volto. If I was to power the diamond separately it would make using the volto pointless.

No, the Diamond wouldn't fry the Volto, it would be the other way around, if you just hooked it straight up. You need a polarity reversing adapter, as well as a charge pump. They aren't expensive, and once you have them you'll never have to worry about it again.

As for the Opti-Fet, yes, IMO/IME I get all the tonal enhancement of the Diamond along with all the control that a "utility" compressor would give me, which is exactly what I wanted. Of course, it was double the price of the Diamond, but I'm very happy with the change.

 

[Nephilymbass]

No

Bongo's review of the EBS was pretty good and puts it in the same territory as the others I'm looking at. Is it just older examples that deteriorate over time?



The FEA DE-CL has the warmth control right? Think I remember reading SirMjac28 saying it (the warmth control) added a cherry on top to his sound.



Awesome, the opti-fet colours your tone as well right? I've been told by pedaltrain (did some work for them which is why they gave me the volto) that the diamond would fry the volto. If I was to power the diamond separately it would make using the volto pointless.



Sorry I must be confused, I am considering comps that will add that colouration. I mistakenly assumed that because you were talking about controlling signal spikes, you were using something transparent-sounding.

Yeah boss Cs-2 is not transparent sounding but like I said I like the color it adds. Here's a video of Juan using the same compressor on fretless. It definetly adds some highs, additional gain, I really like that I can use it to boost and compress my signal at the same time because it keeps the little bit of grind I get out of the sans amp more Consistant. gives me a lot more control over the dirt in my sound because I can boost the signal before the sans amp and it adds a bit of control to the way sans amps and other analog dirt units get dirtier the harder you play. I really like the way the older sans amp sound when you play hard. With the Cs-2 I'm able to get that sound consistantly without actually playing hard.

 

[Guinness20]

No, the Diamond wouldn't fry the Volto, it would be the other way around, if you just hooked it straight up. You need a polarity reversing adapter, as well as a charge pump. They aren't expensive, and once you have them you'll never have to worry about it again.

As for the Opti-Fet, yes, IMO/IME I get all the tonal enhancement of the Diamond along with all the control that a "utility" compressor would give me, which is exactly what I wanted. Of course, it was double the price of the Diamond, but I'm very happy with the change.

Yeah my bad, I think I meant that So I could run the BCP-1 on the pedaltrain volto? Interesting...

 

[Guinness20]

I've never had the need or the desire to play anything more than a 4 string. Played in a heavy band where I tuned down my 4 to CGCF.

Anyone else never step into 5 and beyond??

No, the Diamond wouldn't fry the Volto, it would be the other way around, if you just hooked it straight up. You need a polarity reversing adapter, as well as a charge pump. They aren't expensive, and once you have them you'll never have to worry about it again.

As for the Opti-Fet, yes, IMO/IME I get all the tonal enhancement of the Diamond along with all the control that a "utility" compressor would give me, which is exactly what I wanted. Of course, it was double the price of the Diamond, but I'm very happy with the change.

I was given some serious thought to the FEA DE-CL... until I found out about the waiting list!

 

[blindrabbit]

I was given some serious thought to the FEA DE-CL... until I found out about the waiting list!

Be patient, they do hit the classifieds, but you have to be ready to pounce fast.

 

[monkeyfinger]

Be patient, they do hit the classifieds, but you have to be ready to pounce fast.

That is how I got mine.